Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint condition that affects one in six Canadians, according to the Arthritis Society of Canada. It is the most common form of arthritis, with estimates saying that by 2035, the number will go up to one in four Canadians. Early diagnosis can control the severity of osteoarthritis. But for this, people must understand what the symptoms and risks associated with the condition are. That’s why we’ve outlined the common causes and treatment options for osteoarthritis right here. What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where the cartilage protecting the ends of bones breaks down. It can occur in any joint in the body, but the joints most commonly affected are your knees, hips, hands and spine. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling and stiffness, but can also affect your daily function. [...]

Work-related shoulder pain is a growing concern among Canadians. It’s one of the most common musculoskeletal ailments observed in Canada, and may affect individuals from all occupations. It particularly affects individuals who have desk jobs and lead a sedentary lifestyle because of the nature of their work. Here’s how you can prevent shoulder pain while you’re at work. Sit In a Natural Position If you’re spending most of your day at your desk, the last thing you want to do is sit in an odd and uncomfortable position. Your body should be relaxed as you do your work, not hunched and stressed. Make sure your workstation allows for a natural and healthy posture. Adjust the height of your desk to align your elbows and shoulders evenly. It’s important that you maintain a good posture to avoid shoulder [...]

Despite the known hazards of desk jobs, several Canadians spend most of their day glued to their seats. They may not seem like a dangerous occupation, but the truth is, desk jobs can contribute to a number of health risks among employees. Here’s a look at some of these health risks. They Can Lead to Cardiovascular Disease Did you know that sitting at a desk all day can put you at risk of heart disease? Studies have shown that otherwise healthy individuals who have desk jobs have an increased risk of heart disease as opposed to those who have a more active lifestyle. This is because sitting for prolonged periods increases the content of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in our bodies, while decreasing the content of “good” cholesterol (HDL). It also results in a higher concentration [...]

Carpal tunnel is a common musculoskeletal ailment, affecting several Canadians each year. While most patients who experience this condition are prescribed medication and rest, in more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Fortunately, carpal tunnel syndrome is a manageable condition and with proper care and precautionary methods, you can prevent the symptoms from worsening. In fact, if you follow the following tips & tricks, you won’t need to get surgery at all! Apply Cold Therapy Cold therapy is one of the simplest ways to manage the soreness and pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. It helps in soothing the symptoms and is both an effective as well as an inexpensive treatment method, especially if the condition is mild.   You can use a cold pack for this purpose. Place it on your wrist for 10–15 minutes, [...]

In the last couple of years, PRP therapy has gained much popularity among athletes. From Tiger Woods to Kobe Bryant, several top athletes have resorted to this alternative form of treatment. Here’s why PRP therapy is sought after so much. It Helps Treat Several Types of Sports Injuries PRP therapy can be used to treat an array of musculoskeletal injuries sustained in sports. From joint pain and stiffness to ACL tears to ankle sprains, there’s no limit to what PRP therapy won’t help heal when it comes to restoring the functionality of the musculoskeletal system. Athletes who’ve sustained soft tissue injuries, ligament tears, muscle overuse injuries, or even high-impact injuries can turn to PRP therapy for a quick recovery.  The treatment method helps reduce inflammation, restore mobility and flexibility, and stimulate the body’s healing process, allowing [...]

ACROMIOCLAVICULAR joint ARTHRITIS refers to pain and tenderness at the top of a shoulder. This Condition makes it difficult to move an arm across the body.

Tiger Woods, PGA all-star, has a long and documented history of illnesses and surgeries, starting with a tumor removal all the way back in college. One area that was especially concerning was his left knee. After a ruptured ACL, he had arthroscopic knee surgery done in April of 2008 to clean out the cartilage. He had undergone operations on that same knee previously in 1994 and 2002. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilise the knee joint. For a golfer, injury to this ligament can mean having to give up the game altogether. To avoid any further distress to the joint, he bowed out of the PGA tour to get reconstruction surgery done on his knee. While discussing options with his orthopedic surgeons and sports physicians, he found [...]

According to research, Canadians spend almost 10 hours a day on average sitting. This can lead to a number of health problems, from joint stiffness and hip flexor pain to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Here’s how you can avoid excessive sitting during the day while you’re at work. Rethink Your Desk One way to avoid staying seated for too long at your desk is by rethinking how you use that space. If possible, get a stand-up or adjustable desk that allows you to sit or stand as you please. This way, you’ll be able to do your work even while standing up, as opposed to staying seated all day. If this isn’t an option, then you can customize your desk in other ways. Keep heavy books or boxes beneath your monitor and keyboard to elevate [...]

The sedentary lifestyle at most workplaces has led to what may be described as the “sitting disease”.  This refers to the many ailments and health woes caused by sitting for too long. The hip flexors (muscle groups in the hip) are especially affected by this and may lead to a number of problems of their own. How Sitting Affects Hip Flexors The average Canadian spends 10 hours sitting. For 10 hours, the hip flexors are contorted in a position that’s uncomfortable and unfeasible for such a long duration. Since our bodies tend to acclimatize to the given circumstances, while sitting for an extended period, your hip muscles bunch up and adopt a “shortened position”.  As a result, the hip flexors put up with the additional stress being exerted on them because of your continuous [...]

Musculoskeletal chest pain Chest pain is caused by multiple factors that should be identified properly before recommending a treatment.